DSLR Workshop for Spring 2014

Do you have a DSLR camera and shoot in auto and still get blurry, dull images? Do all those buttons intimidate you? Take control of your camera and learn to shoot in manual. You’ll be surprised at how much clearer and sharper you photos can be! This DSLR camera workshop is designed to take you from auto to manual and help you understand exposure,…

The Ghost of Bodie…

The little mining town of Bodie, California began life in 1859 during the Gold Rush fever when a couple of prospectors found gold. Twenty years later it was one of the largest boom towns in California. Mining companies came in and built stamp mills that pounded the ore to remove the precious metals. At it s peak almost 10,000 people resided in Bodie with…

Cowgirls, bonfires and hayrides…

For her 8th birthday this little cowgirl wanted a birthday party complete with a hayride and bonfire. The photos tell the story.

My Modern Day Little Miss Muffet…

Dressing up for Halloween comes naturally to this little drama queen. Her costume was a Pop Star Diva Vampire, but she ditched the teeth when she realized she couldn’t eat candy with them in! Here is her version of the modern day “Little Miss Muffet” and the spider. She is way too funny!

The Magnificance of God’s Creation…

I’ve visited Yosemite National Park several times and each time I’m in awe of the majestic panorama that surrounds me. The granite mountains carved by glaciers long ago stand as a testimony to God’s handiwork. Standing in Yosemite Valley and looking up at the granite structures surrounding you makes you feel very insignificant in the realm of creation. El Capitan stands guard while Half…

The Rocky Coastline of Northern California…

Rocks, kelp, sea lions, and otters…all regular sightings when you visit the northern California coastline. The sea shore is rocky and so different from the southern sandy beaches. But it  was just as inspiring watching the waves slap against the rocks and splash their spray. At every stop along the coast I thought that had to be the perfect spot for a photograph, then…

Ghosts & goblins, princess & superheros…

Halloween…one of my most favorite holidays. Every since I was a little kid and rummaged through my mother’s closet to come up with a costume, I’ve loved it. It was that one special night of the year where you could dress up and pretend you were a princess or clown or cowgirl. With four kids in the house and a limited wardrobe to use,…

Jelly Fish, Sea Dragons, and Fish-eating Anemones?

A recent visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium provided an insight to underwater sea creatures that I’ve only seen in Disney and Pixar movies. I didn’t know and didn’t really stop to think that the characters portrayed in children’s flicks such as Finding Nemo, Shark Tale, and The Reef were actually based on real creatures! Silly me! If you ever get the opportunity to…

Kids’ Triathlon First Place Winners

Last month I had the opportunity to photograph some wonderful future Olympians at the Batlett Kids’ Triathlon. What made it even more fun was two of the participants were young friends of mine who both finished in first place in their own age group. Afterwards, their mother asked me to print a book capturing their moments to victory.

Personalities Plus…

I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon at one of our local parks with three of the greatest kids – each with their very own different personality! One is quite, one is bubbly, and one is curious. Can you figure out which is which?

Ferris Wheels and Carnival Lights…

I love carnivals and fairs…the Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, and carnival rides – especially at night. I know it’s not for everyone, but for me – I love it…the bright lights, the mixed array of sounds, the yummy food smells. I guess maybe because it brings back great memories of younger days when Cotton Carnival was held downtown on the river. Then after my kids…

Away From Home…Alone

My granddaughter and I took a trip to visit family who lives about three hours away. My granddaughter was so excited to spend the night with her Nashville cousins, but when the time came to leave she and my great-niece had been plotting. They had decided that my great-niece would go back with us and spend the week. We packed her bag and were…

Simple joys…

It’s funny how little kids find the simplest things so fascinating. Common, ordinary yellow flowers that most of us walk over and step on without a second thought, become the objects of fascination and demands close examination. I don’t know if it’s the bright color, the abundance, or that it’s something to be dissected…but these treasures just can’t be ignored. This little boy, who…

To shoot or not to shoot…

As a photographer I’m always trying to follow the “rules” and work hard to “find the light,” but over Memorial Day I had to choose whether to break the rules and take the shot or to wait until later in the day when the light was better and possibly miss the shot. To shoot or not to shoot? The real question is…do you miss…

From Scaredy Cat to Daredevil…

This was the first lake outing of the year for my 7 year old granddaughter. She just had to get in the boat and tube. So we packed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and met “Poppa” at the dock. We found a quite little cove–perfect for eating lunch and learning to tube alone.   She was so excited about tubing by herself, but when…

Life is an adventure…

More of this cute little adventurer with his adoring parents.

Life is to be explored…

My nephew called to ask if I would take his son’s one year photos. They live out of town and only get home a couple of times a year so I agreed – this was a sure-fire way I would get to spend a couple of hours with them! This little boy was so curious! He had to check out everything in our backyard…

Balloons Make A Good Day Even Better…

It was a good day… warm and windy with lots of clouds in the sky. A good day for photos with little Miss S. Her mother is in the Navy and has been deployed for most of the year. Miss S wanted to send her mother a special photo book for Mother’s Day, so we headed out to capture her spirit and smile. She…

Spontaneous…

There are two words that I don’t think describe me – impulsive and spontaneous. I like a plan. I like to know what lies ahead of me. Before I get out of bed, I’m planning my day. I’m writing articles and emails in my head and making lists. Don’t get me wrong, I like to leave some things to chance, but within a framework…

Dinner with Vittles…

My wandering son, a.k.a. Vittles, has been hiking the eastern U.S. since last April and is on his way back to California to hike the western part of the country. On his journey back to the Golden State he made a stop at home and took the time to prepare a wonderful meal for our dinner: roasted pork loin with a cream gravy, lemon…